A tragic waste of life – Brittany Murphy's death could have been prevented

TRAGIC: Brittany Murphy's death could have been prevented according to a leading pathologist [GETTY]

A leading pathologist has suggested the Clueless star would still be alive today if her mother had called an ambulance when she fell ill, rather than waiting for her to collapse.

It is also suggested that the Hollywood A-lister had become so afraid of photographers waiting outside her home that she had turned into a recluse.

Attempts to isolate herself from her previous showbiz existence made Brittany reluctant to see a doctor through fear her ill health would be exposed in gossip mags.

Doctor Richard Shepherd claimed if the 8 Mile star's mum had phoned for a medic as soon as her daughter started having trouble breathing she could have been saved.

But due to prescription drugs, Brit was more sedate and her mother Sharon failed to spot warning signs.

An ambulance was finally called when the 32-year-old fell lifeless on December 20 back in 2009.

At the time the coroner said her untimely passing was attributed to pneumonia and anaemia, tragically the same ailments claimed the life of her husband UK filmmaker Simon Monjack just five months later.

SUSPICIOUS? Brit's husband Simon Monjack died in similar circumstance just five months later [GETTY]

“If Brittany had been taken to hospital 24 hours earlier and given intravenous drugs, there is a good chance she would have survived and would still be here today”

Doctor Richard Shepherd

A new documentary is set to examine the final hours of Brittany Murphy's life featuring Dr Shepherd, who was involved in the investigations of Princess Diana and television presenter Jill Dando.

The expert pathologist said: "By the time Brittany collapsed in her bathroom there was probably nothing the paramedics or hospital staff could have done to save her.

"But if she had been taken to hospital 24 hours earlier and given intravenous drugs, there is a good chance she would have survived and would still be here today."

He added: "Brittany was so sedated it's quite possible neither Simon nor Sharon had any idea how ill she actually was. That may be the reason why they didn't call an ambulance."

PRICE OF FAME: The actress had started living like a recluse [GETTY]

It was reported that Alicia Silverstone's on-screen pal was taking a cocktail of prescription medicine before her death and rumours also circulated suggesting she suffered with anorexia and was a heavy user of cocaine.

When emergency services were called to the property it was discovered that Ms Murphy and Mr Monjack's multi-million dollar mansion was in a squalid condition with mould and fungus growing on the walls.

Tune into Autopsy: The Final Hours of Brittany Murphy tomorrow at 9pm on Channel 5.